Explore the South Atlantic, Antarctica and Patagonia

Montevideo - Santiago

Experience untouched landscapes and dramatic icebergs at their best early in the season. This extraordinary wildlife adventure is an incredible opportunity to see whales, sea lions with their pups, dolphins, and migrating penguins. From Montevideo, MS Midnatsol takes you on an 18-day expedition to Península Valdés and then to the Falkland Islands before reaching the final frontier – Antarctica. On our return journey we visit Cape Horn and the wild fjords of Chile en route to our final destination, Punta Arenas.

Journey to incredible destinations – few places on the planet can match these experiences with wildlife and nature

Witness a haven for native wildlife including penguins returning from sea to nest and an abundance of whales

Embark on an expedition early in the season when Antarctica is at its most white and pristine

Join our extensive onboard program, which includes lectures on popular science topics and access to the science and photo centers

Starting in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, you have the opportunity to take a city tour before heading toward Antarctica. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Península Valdés is the first stop. This is one of the wildlife highlights of Argentina, where you have the opportunity to see some of the largest marine animals in the world in their natural environment.

Next, we stop in Puerto Madryn, where you can join excursions such as whale watching or hiking in the wonderful surroundings here. Then we set our course for the Falkland Islands, where we use small boats to go ashore for exploring, hiking, or birdwatching safaris around the small islands, and visit Stanley, the capital of the Falklands.

In Antarctica, you will experience everything from landings in great surroundings to theme days on board. You also have the opportunity to enjoy kayaking and exploring the water and ice in small boats.

Returning from Antarctica, we pass Cape Horn, where seafarers had to pass in order to cross from one side of the Americas to the other before the Panama Canal. We will try to make a landing here, despite its reputation of high seas and challenging conditions. After traveling through the Chilean fjords we reach Punta Arenas, where the journey ends before your flight home.

Your Voyage Price Includes:

Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage in cabin category of your choice on a full board basis (daily buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set or buffet dinner)

One hotel night in Montevideo before the voyage, including breakfast

Transfer from hotel to ship in Montevideo, including an orientation tour

Transfer from ship to airport in Punta Arenas

Economy flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Wind- and water-resistant jacket

Landings and activities on board and ashore

Professional English-speaking Expedition Team that gives lectures and accompanies landings and activities

Cruise Itinerary

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind, and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is only an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

October 25 2016 & October 22 2017

Departure port
Montevideo, Uruguay

Day 1

Photo: ShutterstockPhoto

Colonial Centers

Location
: Montevideo, Uruguay

Day 2

All Aboard

Location
: Montevideo, Uruguay

Day 3

Your Base Camp at Sea

Location
: South Atlantic Ocean

Spend a day at sea sailing south toward Península Valdés. Take the time to get to know your fellow adventurers, check out the Explorer room, or just enjoy the views from the deck. Your expedition team will offers fascinating and informative briefings about the history of the places you will visit and the wildlife you will see.

Day 4

Photo: ShutterstockPhoto

Wildlife Highlights

Location
: Península Valdés

Day 5

Nature at It's Best

Location
: Peninsula Valdez

Day 6

Photo: Trond Gransmoe JohnsenPhoto

Setting Course

Location
: South Atlantic Ocean

We set course south to the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, located 480 miles north of Cape Horn and about 994 miles from Antarctica. While we are at sea a number of presentations will be given about the history and wildlife in the region.

Day 7

Photo: Marsel van OostenPhoto

Meet the Locals

Location
: Falkland Islands

Day 8

Up Close and Personal with the Penguins

Location
: Falkland Islands

Day 9

Explore by Foot

Location
: Falkland Islands

Day 10

Photo: HurtigrutenPhoto

Prepare to Be Amazed

Location
: South Atlantic Ocean

Days 11–14

Photo: Dominic BarringtonPhoto

Isolated Antarctic Bliss

Location
: Antarctica

Now you are in one of the most remote areas of the world! We will visit places that were occupied by whalers in the past and explore the endless white surroundings. Go ashore with our expedition team to see penguins and seals up close, enjoy field days, and explore the waters and ice in kayaks and small boats. While in Antarctica, we will attempt to land at several sites. You will see Cuverville Island, home to one of the largest known colonies of gentoo penguins. Among the places we will try to see and explore are Neko Harbour, beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay; Paradise Harbour, which got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century; Wilhelmina Bay, or 'Whale-mina Bay', as it is called, due to its spectacular scenery and the humpback whales who visit in December; the floating ice of the Antarctic Sound; and Brown Bluff, recognizable by the 2,460-foot-high cliffs that dominate the landscape. Weather, wind, and ice conditions dictate our program and schedule. Safety is always the first priority and the captain will decide the final sailing schedule during the voyage. After exploring this incredible continent, we set course back to South America.

Videos

Pre and Post Programs

Enhance your vacation in Antarctica with an extension program before or after your voyage. Choose excursions of several hours or multi-day tours that include overnight hotel stays in Montevideo or Santiago de Chile.

Flight Packages

Please contact us if you want to add on a flight from the US to Montevideo or from Santiago de Chile to the US. Our arrival package includes airport transfers, and our departure package includes transfers and an overnight hotel stay in Santiago.